Zinc Improves Glucose Control

Many people take zinc to support their immune system.^1,2 But zinc’s benefits go far beyond.

Observational studies have found that low zinc levels are linked to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, poor blood sugar control,^3-6 and the development of diabetic complications.^3,7,8

In clinical trials, oral zinc intake improved control of diabetes and associated disorders.^9-11

For those with type 2 diabetes or at risk for developing it, zinc reduced multiple measures of blood sugar control. This included fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), as well as a measure of insulin resistance.^10,12,13

Some studies suggest that higher zinc intake may modestly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.¹⁴

Zinc and Type 2 Diabetes

Zinc is a nutrient mineral that is a structural component of over 300 vital enzymes and 2,000 transcriptional factors in the body. This means that cells, organs, and tissues require zinc to function properly.¹⁵

It’s essential for immune cell development and also plays a key role in brain, eye, and metabolic health.¹⁵

Unfortunately, inadequate zinc status and zinc consumption are surprisingly common, which increases the risk for various health issues, including high blood sugar and type 2 diabetes.¹⁶

Observational studies have shown that low zinc levels are associated with type 2 diabetes. This may be due to losing more zinc through urine, absorbing less from food, or high blood sugar and insulin resistance-related changes in how the body handles zinc.^3,17

One observational study compared serum zinc levels in 200 individuals with type 2 diabetes and 192 healthy controls. The results showed that those with diabetes had significantly lower average serum zinc levels (66.5 μg/dL) compared to healthy individuals (82.6 μg/dL).

Participants with zinc levels below 70 μg/dL had markedly worse glycemic control, with an average fasting blood sugar of 140 mg/dL and HbA1c of 9.77%, compared to those with normal zinc levels, who had an average fasting blood sugar of 105 mg/dL and HbA1c of 5.7%.⁴

There is also evidence that low zinc status is associated with an increased risk of complications of diabetes.

A case-control study found that diabetic patients with polyneuropathy had significantly lower zinc levels than both diabetic patients without neuropathy and healthy individuals. Lower zinc levels were strongly linked to more severe neuropathy symptoms, poorer nerve function, and worse blood sugar control (higher HbA1c).⁷

What Zinc Can Do

Basic science and preclinical research show that zinc plays a key role in metabolic functioning. For instance:

• Zinc has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by blocking NF-κB (nuclear factor-kappa B), a protein complex that promotes inflammation.^3,18 This could have important implications for blood sugar control and reducing obesity-related complications in diabetes.¹⁹
• Zinc aided in forming, storing, and releasing insulin, a hormone that allows tissues to take up glucose from the blood, lowering blood sugar.³
• In preclinical models, zinc deficiency impairs the response of tissues to insulin, contributing to insulin resistance, which is known to predispose to high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia).20-22 In rodents, supplementing with zinc improved insulin response.²¹
• Diabetes (chronic hyperglycemia) can lead to nerve damage, eye disease, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and more.23 Increasing zinc intake through supplements helps ensure adequate levels of zinc in blood and tissues, potentially reducing the incidence and impact of insulin resistance and diabetes.^9,12,13

Oral Intake Offers Hope

Human studies on zinc intake in individuals with diabetes—or those at risk of developing it—have shown significant promise.^9,10,12

One systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 clinical studies in patients with type 2 diabetes found that zinc supplementation reduced:²⁴

• Fasting blood glucose,
• After-meal blood sugar, HbA1c levels,
• Systolic (top number) and diastolic blood pressure, and
• Total and LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Another meta-analysis of 32 clinical trials, including 1,700 participants with diabetes, prediabetes, obesity, or other metabolic impairments, showed that zinc supplementation improved several markers of glucose control, including:⁹

• Fasting glucose,
• Post-meal glucose,
• HbA1c,
• Insulin resistance, and
• High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (a marker of chronic inflammation).

A very large meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, mostly in patients with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, further confirmed that zinc supplementation significantly improved key glycemic biomarkers in adults with or at risk for type 2 diabetes, including fasting blood sugar, insulin levels, HOMA-IR (a measure of insulin resistance), and HbA1c, compared to control groups.¹²

The studies analyzed used a range of daily zinc doses with supplementation durations ranging from four weeks up to six months.

These findings suggest that zinc supplementation may serve as an effective adjunct strategy for improving glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.

What You Need To Know

Zinc’s Metabolic Benefits

• Zinc is well known for supporting immune health and playing an essential role in the optimal function of thousands of proteins throughout the body.
• Zinc is required for normal insulin function. Low levels contribute to insulin resistance and poor glucose control.
• Some studies have found that low zinc levels appear to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
• Meta-analyses of clinical trials have found that zinc supplementation can improve glucose control, lowering blood sugar in those with diabetes or at risk for developing it, while also reducing blood pressure and improving lipid profiles.

Summary

Thousands of proteins rely on zinc to function, affecting the immune system and tissues throughout the body.

Zinc plays crucial roles in supporting metabolic health, including proper insulin function. Low zinc levels are associated with poor glucose control and a higher risk of diabetic complications.

Clinical studies involving people with diabetes—or those at risk of developing it—have shown that zinc supplementation can improve insulin function and glucose control, helping to reduce elevated blood sugar levels that can cause widespread damage in the body.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

References

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